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Old 08-25-2018, 06:45 PM   #1
c2itcliff
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Frame problem

Ref: 2011 3750FL
Has anyone had to deal with a frame problem? While investigating another issue, I found several fractured metal rods on one crossmember, next to the black tank, between the two axles. It appears the crossmember is welded at an angle, not vertical, as if the crossmember was too tall and had to be inserted at an angle to fit. Is this normal? The next crossmember toward the front has rods that are bent also welded at an angle and not vertical. Again, is this normal? I will try and post pictures along with this comment. Thank you in advance for any comments and or advice.[IMG][/IMG]
 
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Old 08-27-2018, 09:18 AM   #2
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Here are the pictures.
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Old 08-27-2018, 11:30 AM   #3
jeffba
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Will have to check mine. What angle are these pictures from?
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Old 08-27-2018, 12:17 PM   #4
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Put in the wrong thread but no this is not right. GET TO NATIONAL RALLY if you can and get with Montana representives
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Old 08-27-2018, 01:43 PM   #5
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We had a cracked frame ( bad welds ?) in the front and Montana fixed it N/C. We were at the rally in Goshen last year and it was in the factory for a couple of other fixes and they picked up the shifting from cap and made the repairs. I am very thankful they were so observant and saw what I had no idea of. The shops guys told me that as little as 1/4” movement in the joints on the outside could indicate a problem. I agree with those that say get the the national rally, besides the rally is a whole lot of fun and you great people.
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Old 08-27-2018, 04:26 PM   #6
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I'd guess if these are the two crossmembers above or near above the axles, you've been making some really tight turns on hard pavement. The frame I Beams torque alot near the axles during a very tight turn. The little pieces of steel welded at a angle to the I Beams over the spring hangars is one frame upgrade. MOrRyde came out with the "X factor" a few years later to help the extra stress caused by the LRE suspension design. It's basically an extra channel iron bolted between the center leaf spring attach points which is the extended bracket for the LRE suspension. You can also add 2 other beams between the outer spring hangars as well. It makes the frame more rigid in this area. Google "X Factor" and it will better show and explain it. This is just my guess here as to your patricular issue.
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Old 08-27-2018, 06:15 PM   #7
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Taken from the driver's side looking towards the passenger side right over and between the two axles.
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Old 08-29-2018, 08:29 AM   #8
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That additional "U" channel, welded to the Bottom rail of the "I" beam, was placed directly under the black tank facing up. It acted as a saw blade, cutting into the bottom of the black tank. I removed the "U" channel and repaired the black tank. Now I realize that I inadvertently weakened the lateral strength of the frame. I have ordered the Moryde X Factor frame support rail and plan to install it between and parallel to the axels. Hopefully this will improve lateral strength.
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Old 08-29-2018, 08:38 AM   #9
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This is a photo showing the "U" Channel directly under and in contact with the black tank, resulting in a black tank leak.
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Old 10-14-2018, 09:56 AM   #10
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Thanks for the tip about the "XFactor" I purchased one crossmember as my drain line and gas line interfere with installation to all three shackle hangers. However, I have not installed it yet. Was waiting to hear from Keystone. Here is their reply:

"We are in receipt of and have carefully reviewed your information/pictures regarding the frame. The frame has been damaged due to modifications. A gooseneck adapter has been attached and a heavy-duty cargo rack welded on the back with a class 3 hitch receiver on the back of that. Please see the RV Owners Manual under the heading “Warranty Exclusions” it states, “Damage or loss caused in whole or in part by the unauthorized attachments, modifications or alterations to the structure, body, pin box, or frame of the recreational vehicle including but not limited to trailer hitches for towing, or platforms for supporting cargo”. Therefore, this is not a warrantable Keystone claim. Furthermore, the warranty on your unit expired on 12/16/2011 . Due to the above, Keystone respectfully declines good will participation with this repair. If you have extended warranty you may want to review this issue with them or your insurance company. Keystone does continue to stand ready to assist you with answering technical questions and locating dealers and/or repair centers if the need arises. If you have further questions or concerns please contact owner relations at (866) 425-4369 Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm and Friday 8am-4pm EST or e-mail ownerrelations@keystonerv.com."
Sincerely,
Bettina Rogers

I was disappointed no explanation provided as to how this happened.
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Old 10-14-2018, 10:06 AM   #11
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The photos are taken from between the axels on the driver's side looking across to the passenger side with the black tank to the right or rear. Kitchen gray tank is to the left or front.
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Old 10-14-2018, 10:07 AM   #12
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Are you the original owner? If so did a dealer add that U channel on some recall? I'd think I'd be talking to the dealer if that is the case. If you are a second owner ... you're kinda stuck in this deal. As you found out ... Keystone/Lippert has a dim view of goose neck hitch adapters and adding a "real" rear hitch in or out of warranty.
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Old 10-14-2018, 10:08 AM   #13
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Was not able to make it to the rally. Please see my posted response from Keystone in this thread.
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Old 10-14-2018, 12:51 PM   #14
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How can a gooseneck adapter or attached cargo carrier cause the type frame damage previously posted? (See photos).
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Old 10-14-2018, 01:42 PM   #15
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It probably didn’t, it just gave them an opportunity to not honor the warranty.

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Old 10-14-2018, 02:37 PM   #16
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Keystone and Lippert have been pretty consistant over the years in regard to goose neck adapters and after market hitches they didn't put on.
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Old 10-14-2018, 04:15 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DQDick View Post
Keystone and Lippert have been pretty consistant over the years in regard to goose neck adapters and after market hitches they didn't put on.
Yes they have.
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Old 10-14-2018, 06:20 PM   #18
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If you use a gooseneck adapter on your fifth wheel you are asking for trouble. They put extreme stress on the hitch/pin box area. Just think of the lever action a 12" downward extension creates. Goose box/ pin box is a better idea.
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Old 10-15-2018, 10:36 AM   #19
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Floor

Quote:
Originally Posted by c2itcliff View Post
Here are the pictures.
Cliff. Did you see if your floor has sunk between the frame rails? I have a sunken floor at the kitchen area where it use to be crowned.Maybe I have the same problem.
Thanks Den.
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Old 10-18-2018, 10:25 AM   #20
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Have not noticed any change in the floor. My crossmember frame rails are still in place.
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